Embedded Files
March 18, 2026 Winona Post
Robert Tereba write about his experience at a Braver Angels event on Feb. 19 that brought together people with different political viewpoints. He noted the lack of comtempt and the need to "step back from consuming information from sources that regularly convey contempt for those holding opposing political views. Chances are good that we are being played by them. They earn profits by stoking our outrage."
Feb. 27, 2026 St. Paul Pioneer Press
Your neighborhood bar is generally a spot where people from all walks of life come together for a cold beer and a simple meal.
Sweeney’s Saloon owner Will Rolf is hoping to extend that camaraderie to the political sphere by offering a free meal to any Democrat and Republican pair or group that come in together.
Beginning now and running through the end of the legislative session, Sweeney’s will offer its Poor Man Special and a beer or soda on the house to any table consisting of politicians on both sides of the aisle.
In a news release, Rolf said, “the idea grew out of the same question many Minnesotans are asking: ‘What can I do, from where I sit, to help lower the temperature?’...more
February, 2026
The recent immigration crackdown in Minnesota that led to several thousand arrests, mass detentions, angry protests, deepening political divides, and the deaths of two US citizens in Minneapolis is coming to an end.
What’s life been like for the residents of the Twin Cities during the recent surge of at least three thousand ICE agents on the streets? How will Braver Angels and other groups who work to reduce toxic political divides show up going forward? We consider these and other questions in this special episode of “How Do We Fix It?”
Our guests are two leading members of Braver Angels Minnesota, Melinda Voss who leans blue, and Scott Schluter who leans red. Both say this has been a time of elevated emotions, anxiety and fear for public and personal safety.
“How Do We Fix It?” reports on the people, projects, and ideas of Braver Angels. In recent episodes we’ve spoken with new CEO Maury Giles about recent initiatives and changes, Steve Saltwick about Citizen-Led Solutions, and Sam Rechak of the Braver Angels debate team. We are planning many more podcast episodes this year.
Feb. 9, 2026 New York Times
The New York Times leans left--but also cares about facts and nuance. So when they wondered about conservative views, of course they called Wilk Wilkinson. "The question of what to do about undocumented immigrants has long bonded President Trump and his supporters — and an overwhelming majority of them backed his all-out crackdown over the past year. But then came the extraordinary events of the past few weeks in Minneapolis..."
St. Paul Pioneer Press, Feb. 8, 2026
"Effective responses to multiple civic crises in today’s America depend on analysis of how people develop capacities for work on public challenges. The history of civic engagement in the Twin Cities and today’s resistance to the overbearing behavior of federal agents’ in the Twin Cities hold lessons.
These lessons are cross partisan, building the civic muscle of community to work together on common problems with the goal of building healthy communities for all across differences."...more
NOTE: If you hit a paywall, click on the "more" link to reach a PDF of the entire page, then scroll to the bottom.
Balancing Life's Issues, Feb. 5, 2026
What does it really take to talk to someone you disagree with — and actually stay in the conversation?
This powerful webinar, Bridging the Divide, explores how to navigate differences with respect, clarity, and courage. At a time when conversations can quickly turn into conflict, this discussion offers practical insight on how to engage across political, social, and personal divides without losing your voice — or your relationships.
Bill Doherty, Ph.D, co-founder of Braver Angels and Terry Szuplat, author, speaker, and former White House speechwriter ground their conversation in real-world experience, not theory. It’s about learning how to listen deeply, speak thoughtfully, and build connection even when agreement isn’t possible.
Al Travis Show Feb. 2, 2026
Al and Bill discuss the current climate of division, and liken it to a dysfunctional family, and the need to find ways to work things out. Toward the end of the discussion, Bill quoted a man who said, "You can't fight somebody in the same way when you know their heart," and Al quoted podcaster Wilk Wilkinson, "You can't hate your neighbor into believing what you believe."
Laker Pioneer, Feb. 2, 2026
Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty spoke in Excelsior on Jan. 22, engaging event participants in discussions about the national climate of polarization, and how people can find common ground, sometimes one conversation at a time. He said “This polarization is not just what we think about members of Congress, national figures, it’s about how we feel about each other,” Doherty said. “And so it’s gotten into the fabric of our society. It’s invaded everywhere, including most of our social institutions.” He later said "...but with a little hard work and a different way of approaching political conversation, we can all do our part in bridging the political divide with a few conversation tips.".
Fox 9 All Day, Dec. 23, 2025
Jeff Thiemann appeared on Fox 9 to discuss the Braver Angels approach to the political disagreements that sometimes arise when people gather during the holiday season. He stressed the importance of asking questions and seeking common ground with a focus on preserving the relationship rather than winning an argument. The interview includes tips for keeping the conversation civil during this time when polarization is the worst the country has experienced since the 1850s. Jeff also provides ways to exit a conversation if necessary. After a few unrelated segments, the clip begins at 1:15:56 into the show.
KARE News, Dec. 10, 2025
"It’s become as common a holiday tradition as shopping or family feasts: preparing to navigate the political divide.
Fortunately, a Minnesota-based organization can expertly guide families during this politically polarized season.
“There’s no denying we have a problem,” said Dr. Bill Doherty, professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota and co-founder of Braver Angels, an organization with a mission “to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic.”
PBS NewsHour, Nov. 26, 2025
Judy Woodruff's America at a Crossroads series covered a Common Ground Workshop on Immigration facilitated by Braver Angels co-founder David Lapp. Woodruff's video provides excerpts from the fishbowl exercise, and features interview segments with Lapp and workshop participants. The workshop was held in South Lebanon OH where Braver Angels was launched in 2016.
Country News Review, Nov. 26, 2025
"Tiffany Determan says she has grown tired of what she is witnessing in politics these days...."
KSTP News, Nov. 15, 2025
"As the holidays approach, the topic of politics may arise at the dinner table. One workshop, however, said the conversation doesn’t have to be so awkward...On Saturday, Braver Angels hosted a workshop focused on navigating political differences with loved ones without letting politics divide them...The workshop includes identifying family dynamics and practicing listening and acknowledging skills to hold a dialogue instead of telling a loved one their opinions are wrong."
WCCO's Adam and Jordana Show, Nov. 11, 2025
Twin Cities broadcast duo interview Dr. Bill Doherty about how to navigate difficult conversations when friends and relatives gather.
Spirit & Sword, Oct. 31, 2025
Interview with BA co-founder Dr. Bill Doherty, and Gabriella Kearns, BA director of communications and marketing - comparing the discord in the United States to relationship struggles.
Country Messenger, Oct. 30, 2025
A new grassroots initiative in the St. Croix Valley aims to reduce polarization through conversations one at a time. The Braver Angels St. Croix Valley Alliance, part of a nationwide effort to bridge partisan gaps, will hold its first event on Nov. 13 at the Bayport Library.
Minnesota Public Radio, Oct. 29, 2025
"It’s among the first such programs in the nation, said Citizens League Executive Director Jake Loesch. So far, four pairs of legislators have participated, and more are signed up for next year...We have an incredible group of committed elected officials who are going to St. Paul all session long to try and govern effectively,” said Loesch. “But that can be difficult when you know political polarization and distrust is growing in every aspect of life.”
"Loesch said part of the solution is abandoning physical and political silos, even if it’s just for a few days."
“Unless legislators on opposite sides of the aisle serve on a committee together, there’s just very limited opportunity for them to get to know each other,” he said. “I think it’s a symptom — or a cause, depending on how you look at it — of some of the polarization and division that we feel.”
Almanac explores polarization and violence: Braver Angels Organization
Almanac explores polarization and violence: Braver Angels Organization
Twin Cities Public Television, Oct. 24, 2025
Almanac co-host Cathy Wurzer introduces Mary Lahammer's segment in her series to address solutions to polarization and violence. It includes an interview with Minnesota Braver Angels Steering Team member Rev. Jeff Thiemann.
The segment in the clip is preceded by a brief promo for TPT.
Winonan, Oct. 1, 2025
Winonan reporter Desiree Noon covered the How Do We Find Community in Our Differences workshop, part of Braver Angels Day in Winona on Sept. 25.
"Common consensus seems to be that people believe that their beliefs are moral ones, and that an opposition is immoral. Whether or not that’s true though isn’t going to make people come together or change their minds. That’s why the goal of Braver Angles isn’t for people to change the minds of others. Rather it is to demonstrate that people aren’t so different on a deeper level."
“Understand[ing] each other better and then look for common ground. The goal is not compromise,” is what co-founder of Braver Angels, Bill Doherty, had to say about the organization’s goals.
Minnesota Star Tribune, Sept. 16, 2025
The presidents of the University of Northwestern and Macalester College ask: "Can we learn to debate in the open marketplace of ideas without demeanng and dstroying people, families, lives and livelihoods? Can we learn to be respectful toward people with whom we disagree?"
They cite their initiative with Braver Angels to bring students from each school together every other week to share a meal, discuss tough issues, and build "meaningful and lasting relationships."
Fox21 News, Superior, WI, Sept. 15, 2025
“Conversation skills is what we’re always about, so how to listen and then acknowledge before giving your own perspective, and then we will practice that, and there will be examples of public policy that you can take one side or the other and practice listening to someone with opposing views.” said John Wolforth, co-chair of the Northern Minnesota Alliance of Braver Angels on how these events typically evolve...Our leaders are not going to lead us into having these better conversations,” said Wolforth. “I think it’s time for us voters and just people who maybe you don’t even want to vote, but you want to be working towards a cleaner, safer Northland, and it’s going to take us working together, and then we can take that to our leaders and say, ‘This is what we want. This is what we want you to do. This is how we want to be interacting with each other.'”
WCCO News, Sept. 11, 2025
"In the aftermath of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk that sent shock waves across the country, Bill Doherty is reflecting on how we got here as the country grapples with yet another act of political violence...We learned that when you create the right environment for people to listen to each other, express themselves in non-inflammatory ways, that people have more in common than they realize, and that they can lower the temperature and they can find common ground," Doherty said.
He said how we move forward starts with each of us condemning violent and extreme rhetoric when we see it, especially if it comes from individuals with whom you agree.
"We survived the Civil War. We survived the 60s. We can survive this if we decide we've had enough," he said. More...
Kare11 News, Sept. 10, 2025
"Charlie Kirk shooting prompts calls to address US political violence. Bill Doherty, co-founder of the nonpartisan nonprofit Braver Angels, drew historical parallels to an earlier era of political violence." (Interview with Bill Doherty begins at 1:32 into the KARE segment.)
"Doherty said addressing the nation's deep divisions requires collective responsibility. 'We've all contributed to this and we have to together find a way out of this toxic division we have.'"
St. Paul Pioneer Press op-ed, Sept. 4, 2025
"In the aftermath of horrific events like last week’s school killings, communities follow a sadly predictable pattern. First comes shock, grief, and denunciation of the shooter. Then, blame begins to spread — sometimes toward institutions such as schools or first responders, sometimes toward the shooter’s family or group affiliation. Before long, the public conversation hardens into bitter conflict over gun laws. That’s where we’ve landed within a week as the governor considers a special session of the Legislature."...
..."In Minnesota, Braver Angels held a Common Ground workshop that brought together advocates for more restrictive gun laws and staunch defenders of Second Amendment rights. Using a structured process — ground rules, trained moderators, and a focus on three domains (values, concerns, and solutions/policies) that required unanimous support — the group surprised even themselves: They reached agreement on 28 items."
Iowa Public Radio, August 28, 2025
“For decades, a political gap has been growing between men and women, with Generation Z having the largest political divide.
This week on Talk of Iowa, we will "Mind the Gender Gap" starting with this political divide. Charity Nebbe speaks with political scientist Karen Kedrowski, as well as computing expert Jeremy Blackburn about how radicalization online is contributing to this gap. Braver Angels founder Bill Doherty discusses how this divide is impacting our relationships."
Rochester Post Bulletin, July 29, 2025
“There are dozens more examples of how lawmakers exacted victories, and in true compromise fashion, realized they were not going to get everything they wanted. But Minnesotans of all stripes were well-represented. And that’s what mattered…Today, both political parties consider anyone who doesn’t agree with them 100% of the time on every issue the enemy. Perhaps recent developments will help calm the storm. In announcing his bid for a second try at the governor’s seat, former Minnesota state Sen. Dr. Scott Jensen has hinted at a campaign closer to George W. Bush's "compassionate conservatism” than MAGAism.”
The Al Travis Show, July 31, 2025
Greater Minnesota podcaster and radio talk show host Al Travis interviews Wilk Wilkinson, podcaster and member of national Braver Angels senior leadership about the organization and his journey toward the depolarization movement.
Minnesota Public Radio, July 15, 2025
"Partisan polarization has long been a fact of political life in the United States. And it seems like politics is everywhere these days — at the dinner table, in the classroom and on every screen. That raises some big questions for parents. How do we talk to our kids about what’s going on without passing along fear or cynicism? How do we raise thoughtful, respectful people amid divisive rhetoric?"
https://www.youtube.com/live/V20HCVPekNI
Minnesota Reformer, July 9, 2025
Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty looks at motivated reasoning, the paranoia that has infected our political discourse
Minnesota Public Radio, July 7, 2025
How Do We Fix It podcast interview, July 1, 2025
MinnPost, June 30, 2025
Minnesota Braver Angels Coordinator Scott Schluter and Melinda Voss write "Such an approach is about building bridges, not agreeing or disagreeing. You might even uncover shared values."
Minnesota Public Radio, May 15, 2025
Macalester Collete and University of Northwestern students talk politics.
Bemidji Pioneer, May 2, 2025
"Braver Angels, a nonpartisan organization, hosted a town hall in Bemidji on Thursday to share tactics that help combat political polarization within the bcommunity while supporting collaboration..." More
MinnPost, May 1, 2025
MinnPost contributor Forrest Peterson attended several Braver Angels events in Willmar on April 28, and wrote a good overview of the tour to counties in western and northern Minnesota. He also provides information about Braver Angels, in general.
The Al Travis Show, May 1, 2025
Radio broadcaster Al Travis produces a show for rural media markets in Greater Minnesota. Al interviewed Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty about the recent tour to Worthington, Willmar, Fergus Falls, Moorhead, Bemidji, and Brainerd. Al has interviewed Doherty previously, and enjoys the updates about Braver Angels and its activities.
The Globe, April 29, 2025
The Globe published Braver Angels finish weekend in Worthington, continue on the road , an interview with Rev. Jeff Thiemann, co-leader for the Reduce the Rancor campaign.
RadioWorks, April 23, 2025
Minnesota Braver Angels is hitting the road today to visit parts of western and northwestern Minnesota, including Worthington.
"Reduce the Rancor" is a statewide campaign to reduce hostile polarization in public life. Championed by the state chairs of the two main political parties, the campaign is a partnership with Braver Angels and about 25 organizations of elected officials, interested citizens, colleges and universities, civic, religious and business leaders, and other nonprofits.
Minnesota Public Radio, April 22, 2025
Americans Reconnect: Talking Across the Political Divide is a radio program focused on solutions to political polarization. The production team spent more than a year researching and reporting on how people can maintain relationships despite stark political differences, offering hope for a divided electorate that Americans can still come together.
A partnership with the national nonprofit organization Braver Angels is central to the reporting. The group uses family and marriage therapy techniques to help people bridge political divisions. The insights of Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty deeply inform the radio special and are woven throughout.
Brainerd Dispatch April 21, 2025
On Friday, May 2 the Minnesota Braver Angels Reduce the Rancor team will facilitate four events, two for the public and two for elected officials and other community leaders. Braver Angels is a nation-wide organization evoted to bridging political and cultural divides. The events for the public are:
2-4 p.m. at the Brainerd Public Library: Open house on the theme Bridging Divides, Building Community
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with light refreshments): Parenting in a Time of Polarization, an event for everyone interested in children - including grandparents! Central Lakes College Cafeteria
Registrations requested; Walk-ins welcome. For more information about the events, especially location for Parenting in a Time of Polarization, visit Braver Angels 2025 Tour, Brainerd.
PBS NewsHour March 26, 2025
Journalist Judy Woodruff interviews Dr. Francis Collins and Minnesota truck driver and podcaster Wilk Wilkenson about how to listen to different perspectives to find common ground, the pandemic in particular.
Minneapolis Star Tribune, March 26, 2025
Minneapolis Star Tribune March 21, 2025
Interview with Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty in response to proposed bill to address growing concern about the current administration.
News and Events page of the University of Minnesota website - March 10, 2025
U of M interview with Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty about the background of the organization, and Minnesota Braver Angels coordinators Melinda Voss and Scott Schluter, who discuss their involvement and what they've learned. "The secret sauce is simply getting people together to talk—and especially to listen—without trying to change anyone’s convictions," says Doherty.
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